Renault will build two new sister models for alliance partner, Mitsubishi Motors starting in 2023, a reversal of the Japanese carmaker’s plan to withdraw from the European market.
The two new Renault-developed models will join the Eclipse Cross and Outlander enabling Mitsubishi to be more competitive in the region.
Both Mitsubishi and Renault provided few details on the new models, except to say that they would be based on the same platforms but with differentiations that reflect the “Mitsubishi brand DNA.”
The Alliance partners did drop a hint in saying that these vehicles will be versions of “best-sellers on the European market which already meet regulatory requirements.” This could mean the Clio hatchback and the Captur small SUV (lead photo), both of which were revamped on new platforms. The deal is said to only cover left-hand drive markets.
Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato said the decision to source Renault-based models was an opportunity to win new buyers for the brand, but that it would not develop new models from scratch for Europe.
Instead, the carmaker is concentrating its research and development resources and investments on the ASEAN region, where Mitsubishi is competitive.
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